Person Biography:
Samuel George Herbert Mason, commonly known as Major Herbert Mason MC, was born on April 7, 1891, in Moseley, Birmingham, England. He was the son of Amy (Collins) and Samuel George Mason, a brass-founder. Mason's family had a strong connection to the theater, with his aunt being the renowned Shakespearean actress Ellen Terry and his great-uncle being the actor and comedian Edward Terry.
Mason began his acting career at the age of 16 and appeared in several productions at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. However, his career was put on hold during the First World War, when he served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and later commanded the 59th Brigade Machine Gun Corps. He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery during the Battle of the Somme.
After the war, Mason returned to the theater, working as an actor's manager and stage manager. He later transitioned to film, working for Gaumont British in various production capacities, including assistant director. Mason made his directorial debut in 1936 with the crime drama "The First Offence" and went on to direct several films, including the musical "Take My Tip" and the drama "Lady in Distress".
Mason continued to work in film throughout the 1940s, directing films such as "Back-Room Boy" and "Flight from Folly". He then turned his focus to producing, working as an associate producer for London Films and later becoming the producer for Group 3 at Southall Studios.
In his personal life, Mason was married to novelist, playwright, and stage actress Daisy Fisher for nearly 46 years. They had two children, Jocelyn and Michael, and were survived by their daughter, son, and two grandsons. Mason passed away on May 20, 1960, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile figure in the world of film and theater.
